A new study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem sheds light on how people around the world turn to music—specifically its lyrics—as a tool for navigating emotional distress, grief, and isolation during times of crisis.

The study, led by Prof. Renana Peres and Adi Levy from the Business School and Prof. Roni Granot from the Department of Musicology at Hebrew University, reveals that the words in songs play a central role in helping individuals regulate their emotions. Whether to process sorrow, feel less alone, or maintain emotional balance, listeners turn to lyrics that reflect their internal states.

Analyzing over 2,800 “coping songs” chosen by people from 11 countries during the first COVID-19 lockdown, the researchers identified clear patterns between lyrical themes and the emotional goals of listeners. Songs containing lyrics about loss, life and death, belonging, or soul were consistently selected by those struggling with sadness, loneliness, or a desire for personal reflection.

The study found that people seeking distraction from crisis were more likely to choose songs with themes of loss, while those trying to alleviate loneliness were drawn to lyrics evoking belonging. In contrast, the acoustic features of the songs—such as tempo, harmony, or key—showed no consistent connection to emotional goals. We may use the lyrics as an anchor , but the way they resonate within each of us emotionally through music is individual.

“This research offers a new perspective on how people use music not just for entertainment, but as a meaningful tool for emotional self-regulation,” said Prof. Granot. “Lyrics embedded in music often give voice to emotions that are difficult to express—grief, remembrance, and hope among them.”

The authors emphasize that while music in general supports emotional coping, lyrics carry particular psychological weight. The findings offer potential applications for therapeutic practices, music streaming algorithms, and public well-being initiatives.

“This is the first large-scale empirical study to link lyrical content to emotional coping strategies,” said Prof. Peres. “At a time when many are dealing with personal and collective trauma, understanding the emotional power of lyrics can help us better support mental health—both individually and as a society.”
The researchers suggest that the findings could influence how music is used in therapeutic settings, memorial services, and even in designing algorithms for personalized playlists that support emotional well-being.